[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 164 (Thursday, August 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 49975]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-4634]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2600-0260]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an 
opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain 
information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 
1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal 
Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including 
each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 
days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits 
comments on the need to obtain written consent to disclose medical 
treatment information to individuals or third parties.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before October 24, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193E1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-
mail [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2600-
0260'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Bickoff at (202) 273-8310.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of 
information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being 
made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.
    With respect to the following collection of information, VHA 
invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on respondents, including through the use 
of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of 
information technology.
    Titles: a. Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records 
or Health Information, VA Form 10-5345.
    b. Individual's Request for a Copy of their Own Health Information, 
VA Form 10-5345a.
    OMB Control Number: 2600-0260.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: a. VA Form 10-5345 is used to obtain written consent from 
a patient before information concerning his or her treatment for 
alcoholism or alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sickle cell anemia, or 
infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be disclosed 
to private insurance companies, physicians and other third parties. b. 
Patients complete VA Form 10-5345 to request a copy of their medical 
records from VA.
    Affected Public: Business or other for profit, Individuals or 
households, and not for profit institutions.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden
    a. VA Form 10-5345--16,667 hours.
    b. VA Form 10-5345a--16,667 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:
    a. VA Form 10-5345--2 minutes.
    b. VA Form 10-5345a--2 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents:
    a. VA Form 10-5345--500,000.
    b. VA Form 10-5345a--500,000.

    Dated: August 11, 2005.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Denise McLamb,
 Program Analyst, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. E5-4634 Filed 8-24-05; 8:45 am]
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